“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye” (Colossians 3:13).
Today’s verse is a companion verse to Matthew 6:14, our devotional verse a couple days ago. Why do you think Scripture uses the word “forbearing” with forgiving? Isn’t this what Christ does with us? So many times we’ve had to come to him and cry out for forgiveness because of inner conflicts.
He never pushes us away. He is truly “longsuffering.” He has an unlimited supply of patience. We, on the other hand, aren’t that gifted. Sometimes, in the midst of conflicts we develop spiritual amnesia—we forget what God has done for us.
In light of all the times He has shown His mercy, shouldn’t we be willing to show mercy as well? If we get in a quarrel, “nip it in the bud” before sundown. Ephesians 4:26 encourages us to “let not the sun go down on your wrath.” That will be much easier to handle than letting conflicts go on indefinitely.
To treat physical or spiritual tension, use preventative measures and keep harmony in the body.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Amanda Kilgore, Tennessee WAC president, as she enlists women of the Volunteer state in convention preparation.
